Conflict and Judicial Affairs

We strive to promote a learning environment that is safe, positive, and in which the rights of all members of the campus community are respected.

Thomas University' holds students accountable for their behaviors and have developed educational sanctions designed to help students learn from their mistakes. We strive to help students at TU see both the immediate consequences and the long-term consequences of their behavior.

We believe the disciplinary process is an educational process as opposed to a punitive process. The disciplinary process allows individuals the opportunity to learn from their mistakes, while at the same time protecting the rights of all members of the University community. The disciplinary process also provides an opportunity to discover underlying issues that are leading to the irresponsible behavior. Recognizing that our students are the leaders of tomorrow, we seek to help them develop their character and become a person of integrity through this educational process.

Reports of acts and incidents involving students may be referred for evaluation and possible disciplinary action by the Student Life and Athletics Coordinator. Reports should be directed to the Student Life and Athletics Coordinator.

Judicial Review Board

The Judicial Review Board was established in Fall 2009 to provide an avenue for Due Process for students accused of Violations of the student Code of Conduct. The Judicial Review Board consists of five members: Two student representatives, two faculty representatives and the Chair of the Judicial Review Board. The Chair only votes in the case of a tie.

Students accused of a level one violation will automatically be referred to the Chair of the Judicial Review Board for appropriate hearing and action. A Student accused of a level two violation will have the choice to appear before the Chair of the Board or sit for a formal hearing before the entire Board. Students Accused of a level three or four violation will automatically appear before the entire Judicial Review Board in a full, formal hearing.

The Judicial Review Board has full authority to dispense disciplinary action based on the facts of the case and testimony from University officials. Disciplinary actions are defined in the student code of conduct and are based upon the severity of the offense. The disciplinary action may range from community service hours and monetary fines to expulsion from the University. Students convicted of a level three or four offense have the right to appeal the decision to the Executive Director of Student Life and Athletics. The Executive Director of Student Life and Athletics has the authority to uphold or commute the sentence of the Judicial Review Board after hearing the facts of the case via a transcript of the hearing, if deemed necessary.

The Judicial Review Board only meets when a case is pending and is to be heard. The Chair of the Judicial Review Board will convene the board and summon all parties to the hearing as needed. Failure to abide by a summons from the Judicial Review Board is a disciplinary offense and may result in further disciplinary action.

Thomas University falls under the jurisdiction of local law enforcement personnel. Students violating criminal or civil codes will be prosecuted by local authorities and will be provided the judicial processes thereof.

Mediation

Students involved in conflict(s) with another individual(s) may elect to have the conflict(s) mediated with the assistance of a third party mediator. The following information and procedures relate to the TU mediation process.

Conditions of Mediation the following conditions must be accepted by the parties:

All parties involved must agree to the mediation process

The resolution that results from the mediation process will be written, must be signed by all parties, and will bind the parties to abide by the agreed terms until such terms are completed, or an alternative agreement is developed by the parties

The agreement reached through mediation is not subject to any appeals process; and if no form of resolution can be determined by mutual consent, the judicial coordinator may recommend that the matter be referred to the appropriate judicial body